Chancellor Rishi Sunak‘s recent remark that some workers must “retrain and find new jobs” amid the COVID-19 crisis has struck a nerve in the U.K. nightlife community. From politicians like Labour MP Kevin Brennan to DJs like SHERELLE, there’s been no shortage of outcry on behalf of an industry largely on hold due to the ongoing pandemic.
Fatboy Slim (real name Norman Quentin Cook) has now joined the conversation as well. The English DJ and producer spoke to Mixmag about Sunak’s comments, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in how lawmakers approach relief.
“When the bankers went down, they weren’t told to retrain,” said Cook, presumably referring to the £500 billion bank rescue package of 2008. “They were bailed out because they were considered vital to our country’s economy. But it seems when it comes to culture and arts – from ballet to DJing, we’re all part of it – it contributes a huge amount to our economy and to the reputation of our country, so to just sweep us under the carpet and say ‘go and do something else’ is glib at best and uncaring at worst.”
Cook also touched on figures originally published by the Night Time Industries Association when making a case for increased government aid. “It’s a breeding ground for ideas. It’s a £66 billion-a-year economy. So it makes financial sense and artists are part of the fabric of the UK, pop music and dance music and club culture is one of our great exports and make us the country we are,” he went on.
Artists like The Blessed Madonna, Jyoty and HAAi have also weighed in on Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s comments in conversation with Mixmag.
